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US7418315B2 - Power generation system - Google Patents

Power generation system Download PDF

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Publication number
US7418315B2
US7418315B2 US10/565,476 US56547604A US7418315B2 US 7418315 B2 US7418315 B2 US 7418315B2 US 56547604 A US56547604 A US 56547604A US 7418315 B2 US7418315 B2 US 7418315B2
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
power
power generation
load
fuel cell
stop
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US10/565,476
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English (en)
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US20060188764A1 (en
Inventor
Akinari Nakamura
Masataka Ozeki
Yoshikazu Tanaka
Takashi Nishikawa
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Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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Publication of US20060188764A1 publication Critical patent/US20060188764A1/en
Assigned to MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. reassignment MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAKAMURA, AKINARI, NISHIKAWA, TAKASHI, OZEKI, MASATAKA, TANAKA, YOSHIKAZU
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04955—Shut-off or shut-down of fuel cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M16/00—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
    • H01M16/003—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers
    • H01M16/006—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers of fuel cells with rechargeable batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
    • H01M8/04228—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during shut-down
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/043—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods
    • H01M8/04303—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during shut-down
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04537—Electric variables
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for AC mains or AC distribution networks
    • H02J3/28—Arrangements for balancing of the load in a network by storage of energy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2300/00—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation
    • H02J2300/30—The power source being a fuel cell
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P90/00—Enabling technologies with a potential contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
    • Y02P90/40—Fuel cell technologies in production processes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a power generation system and an operation method thereof and, particularly to a fuel cell system configured to generate power using a fuel cell and an operation method thereof.
  • a fuel cell system capable of highly efficient and small-scale power generation easily constructs a system for utilizing a heat energy generated during power generation and achieves high energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, the fuel cell system is suitably used as a distributed power generation system.
  • the fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell which is a base portion of a power generation portion.
  • a fuel cell for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell or a phosphoric acid fuel cell is typically employed.
  • a hydrogen-rich gas containing plenty of hydrogen hereinafter referred to as a fuel gas
  • air hereinafter referred to as an oxidizing gas
  • the fuel cell system is equipped with a fuel processor configured to generate the fuel gas required for power generation.
  • a natural gas supplied from a natural gas supply means or the like goes through a steam reforming reaction and is converted into hydrogen, thus generating the fuel gas containing plenty of hydrogen.
  • a reaction space in which the steam reforming reaction takes place in the fuel processor is heated up to and kept at a predetermined temperature by heat resulting from combustion of, for example, the natural gas.
  • the conventional power generation system including the fuel cell system
  • a power load such as electronic equipment (hereinafter referred to as a power load) connected to the power generation system.
  • the fuel cell system in order to inhibit wasteful consumption of the natural gas or the like used to generate the fuel gas, it is desirable to properly control the amount of the natural gas supplied to a fuel reformer according to the power consumption of the power load.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a construction of the conventional fuel cell system.
  • a conventional fuel cell system 100 comprises a fuel cell 100 a configured to generate power using a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas, an output control means 100 b configured to control an output power of the fuel cell 100 a and to control start-up and stop of a power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a , a load power detecting means 100 c configured to detect a power consumption of a power load 100 e described later and to output a control signal necessary for, for example, the output control means 100 b to control the output power of the fuel cell 100 a , and a storage battery 100 d configured to store excess output power.
  • the storage battery 100 d is electrically connected to a connecting portion between the output control means 100 b and the load power detecting means 100 c .
  • a commercial power 100 f is connected to the connecting portion.
  • the power load 100 e such as electronic equipment, is configured to consume the power output from the fuel cell system 100 and is connected to the load power detecting means 100 c.
  • a fuel gas generated in a fuel gas generation means such as a fuel processor which is not shown in FIG. 6 and an oxidizing gas are supplied to the fuel cell 100 a .
  • the fuel cell 100 a uses the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas, the fuel cell 100 a generates power.
  • the output power resulting from power generation in the fuel cell 100 a is supplied to the power load 100 e through the output control means 100 b and the load power detecting means 100 c .
  • the power load 100 e consumes the power supplied from the fuel cell system 100 .
  • excess output power is stored in the storage battery 100 d .
  • the commercial power 100 f makes up for the deficiency.
  • FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an operation pattern during a day of the conventional fuel cell system.
  • an ordinate axis indicates a power axis and an abscissa axis indicates a time axis.
  • a curve 111 indicates a time lapse variation in the power consumption of the power load 100 e
  • a curve 112 indicates a time lapse variation in the output power of the fuel cell 100 a
  • a maximum output power W 1 c indicates a maximum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 100 a
  • a minimum output power W 1 d indicates a minimum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 100 a.
  • the power consumption at general home in a first time period 101 a from about 0:00 at midnight until about 5:00 in early morning is small in amount, but is large in amount in a second time period 101 b that elapses from when users wake up until about 13:00 when household tasks may be finished.
  • the power consumption is small in amount in a third time period 101 c from about 13:00 until about 17:00 because of a decrease in the number of power loads 100 e that are in operation, but is large in amount in a fourth time period 101 d from about 17:00 until about 23:00 because of an increase in the number of the power loads 100 e that are in operation.
  • the power consumption in a fifth time period 101 e after the users go to sleep is small in amount as in the power consumption in the first time period 101 a.
  • the fuel cell 100 a in the conventional fuel cell system 100 outputs power as indicated by the curve 112 of FIG. 7 in response to the variation in power consumption during a day. Specifically, when the load power detecting means 100 c of the fuel cell system 100 detects that the power consumption of the power load 100 e is above an operation start power threshold W 1 a which is a preset threshold at which the fuel cell 100 a starts a power generation operation for a predetermined time period T 1 a or more in the first time period 101 a in FIG. 7 , the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a is started-up (first start-up).
  • the fuel cell 100 a starts to output power as indicated by the curve 112 after an operation preparation time period Ts in which, for example, a fuel gas is generated in a fuel processor or the like.
  • the output control means 100 b controls the output power of the fuel cell 100 a between the maximum output power W 1 c and the minimum output power W 1 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 100 e which is detected by the load power detecting means 100 c .
  • the commercial power 100 f makes up for the deficiency.
  • the output control means 100 b stops the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a .
  • the operation for generating the fuel gas in the fuel processor or the like is stopped.
  • the commercial power 100 f supplies the power to the power load 100 e.
  • the load power detecting means 100 c of the fuel cell system 100 detects that the power consumption of the power load 100 e is above the operation start power threshold W 1 a for the predetermined time period T 1 a or more, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a is re-started-up (second start-up). As in the first start-up, the fuel cell 100 a re-starts to output the power as indicated by the curve 112 after the operation preparation time period Ts.
  • the output control means 100 b controls the output power of the fuel cell 100 a between the maximum output power W 1 c and the minimum output power W 1 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 100 e which is detected by the load power detecting means 100 c.
  • the output control means 100 b stops the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a again.
  • the third time period 101 c at this time, the operation of the fuel processor or the like is stopped.
  • the commercial power 100 f supplies the power to the power load 100 e.
  • the output power of the fuel cell 100 a is controlled according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 100 e .
  • the power consumption of the power load 100 e transitions from a large amount state in, for example, the second time period 101 b , to a small amount state in, for example, the third time period 101 c , and the power consumption of the operation stop power threshold W 1 b or less continues for the predetermined time period T 1 b or more, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a and the operation of the fuel processor or the like are stopped.
  • the start-up of the fuel cell 100 a , the fuel processor or the like is performed twice during a day, like the first start-up and the second start-up. It is important that, in stopping the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a during a relatively long time period, for example, in a range from the fifth time period 101 e to the first time period 101 a , the operations of the fuel cell 100 a , the fuel processor and the like be stopped in order to increase energy utilization efficiency.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a is stopped during a relatively short time period as illustrated by the third time period 101 c , the energy required to start-up the fuel cell 100 a , the fuel processor, or the like is more than the energy consumed by continuing the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a .
  • the power consumption of the power load 100 e is less for a relatively short time period, a total energy utilization efficiency increases by continuing the power generation operation of the fuel cell 100 a .
  • the fuel processor, or the like since the natural gas or the like is wastefully consumed to start-up the fuel cell 100 a , the fuel processor, or the like, which is believed to be unnecessary, the total energy utilization efficiency decreases.
  • the present invention is directed to solving the above described problems associated with the prior arts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation system with high energy utilization efficiency, which is capable of inhibiting unnecessary stop of a power generation operation by changing a condition for determining whether or not to stop an operation of a power generation portion according to an activity cycle of users and of thereby decreasing wasteful energy power consumption, and an operation method thereof.
  • a power generation system of the present invention comprises a power generation portion configured to generate power; a load power detecting means configured to detect a load power which is supplied from a power source including the power generation portion to a load; an operation stop determination means configured to stop a power generation operation of the power generation portion based on the load power detected by the load power detecting means and a stop condition; and a stop condition setting means configured to set the stop condition, wherein the stop condition setting means sets different stop conditions in a plurality of time periods, and wherein the operation stop determination means stops the power generation operation of the power generation portion based on each of the different stop conditions set by the stop condition setting means and the load power detected by the load power detecting means.
  • the time periods include two time periods into which one day is divided, the two time periods including at least 2:00 and at least 14:00, respectively.
  • the time periods include three time periods into which one day is divided, the three time periods including at least 2:00, at least 10:00, and at least 18:00, respectively.
  • the time periods include four time periods into which one day is divided, the four time periods including at least 2:00, at least 8:00, at least 14:00, and at least 20:00, respectively. In such a configuration, since one day is divided in two, three or four using 2:00 at which power demand is typically less as a reference, it is effectively determined whether or not the power generation operation in the power generation portion is stopped in the two, three, or four time periods.
  • the time periods and the stop conditions are pre-set. In such a configuration, since the time periods and the stop conditions are pre-set, unnecessary operation of the power generation system is inhibited using a simple configuration.
  • the state “in which the time periods and the stop conditions are pre-set” refers to a state in which the time periods and the stop conditions are set as initial values when the power generation system is delivered.
  • the power generation system further comprises an input means with which at least the time periods and the stop conditions are input, and the stop condition setting means sets the time periods and the stop conditions which have been input with the input means.
  • the power generation system further comprises a learning means configured to learn at least the time periods and the stop conditions based on stored data of the load power which is detected by the load power detecting means, and the stop condition setting means sets the time periods and the stop conditions which have been obtained by the learning means.
  • a learning means configured to learn at least the time periods and the stop conditions based on stored data of the load power which is detected by the load power detecting means
  • the stop condition setting means sets the time periods and the stop conditions which have been obtained by the learning means.
  • the stop condition includes at least one of a power condition, a time condition, and a frequency condition, and the at least one condition is set to have different values in the plurality of time periods.
  • the power condition includes an instantaneous power threshold or an integrated power threshold.
  • the operation of the power generation system can be controlled for any of the instantaneous power and the integrated power.
  • the instantaneous power threshold or the integrated power threshold is set according to an average value of the load power in each of the time periods.
  • a power condition corresponding to a stop condition in a time period of, for example, two time periods, in which an average power is larger it is possible to inhibit unnecessary stop of the power generation system in the time period in which the average power is larger and power generation is necessary.
  • the time condition is a time in which the load power meets the power condition.
  • the operation of the power generation system can be suitably controlled.
  • the time is set according to an average value of the load power in each of the time periods.
  • a time condition corresponding to a stop condition in a time period of, for example, two time periods, in which an average power is larger it is possible to inhibit unnecessary stop of the power generation system in the time period in which the average power is larger and power generation is necessary.
  • the frequency condition is a frequency at which the load power meets the power condition.
  • the operation of the power generation system can be suitably controlled.
  • the frequency is set according to an average value of the load power in each of the time periods.
  • a frequency condition corresponding to a stop condition in a time period of, for example, two time periods, in which an average power is larger it is possible to inhibit unnecessary stop of the power generation system in the time period in which the average power is larger and the power generation is necessary.
  • the power generation portion is a fuel cell configured to generate power using a fuel gas containing plenty of hydrogen and an oxidizing gas containing oxygen
  • the power generation system further comprises a fuel processor configured to generate the fuel gas through a steam reforming reaction of a hydrocarbon material and water; and an air blower configured to supply air which is the oxidizing gas to the fuel cell.
  • the fuel cell system including the fuel processor requires longer time for start-up and stop as compared to other power generating systems (e.g., engine power generation system, etc). Accordingly, by inhibiting unnecessary stop of the power generation system and by inhibiting unnecessary operation of the power generation system in the time period in which power generation is unnecessary, unnecessary energy consumption is reduced. As a result, it is possible to achieve a power generation system with higher efficiency.
  • a method of operating a power generation system of the present invention including a power generation portion configured to generate power; and a load power detecting means configured to detect a load power which is supplied from a power source including the power generation portion to a load; comprising the steps of: setting different stop conditions in a plurality of time periods; and stopping a power generation operation of the power generation portion based on the different stop conditions and the load power detected by the load power detecting means.
  • individual stop conditions which are suitable for the respective time periods are defined, it is possible to inhibit unnecessary stop of the power generation system in the time period in which the power generation is necessary, and to inhibit unnecessary operation of the power generation system in the time period in which the power generation is unnecessary.
  • FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an example of an operation pattern of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an example of an operation pattern of a fuel cell system according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing an example of an operation pattern of a fuel cell system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing an example of an operation pattern of a fuel cell system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a construction of the fuel cell systems according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a construction of the conventional fuel cell system.
  • FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an example of an operation pattern of the conventional fuel cell system.
  • a first embodiment of the present invention illustrates that a power threshold condition associated with a power generation operation of a fuel cell is varied according to a use status of a fuel cell system.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the construction of the fuel cell system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • a fuel cell system 200 comprises a fuel processor 201 configured to convert a feed material such as a natural gas into hydrogen through a steam reforming reaction to generate a fuel gas containing plenty of hydrogen and to supply the fuel gas to a fuel cell 202 described later, an air blower 203 configured to supply air as an oxidizing gas to the fuel cell 202 , the fuel cell 202 configured to generate power using the fuel gas supplied from the fuel processor 201 and the oxidizing gas supplied from an air blower 203 , an inverter 204 configured to convert a DC power resulting from power generation in the fuel cell 202 into an AC power, a load power detecting means 205 that is capable of detecting power consumption of a power load 213 that consumes the AC power output from the inverter 204 , and a control portion 206 configured to, based on a signal output from the load power detecting means 205 , control start and stop of the operation of the fuel cell system 200 , a series of operations performed from the start
  • the control portion 206 includes a power amount changing means 207 configured to change an output power amount of the fuel cell system 200 according to the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the control portion 206 further includes an operation stop determination means 209 configured to stop the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 when the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 is below a preset power threshold at which the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped for a preset predetermined time period, or below a preset predetermined frequency within the predetermined time period.
  • the control portion 206 further includes a time period setting means 208 configured to set a time period (set a daytime period or a night period) based on a current time.
  • the control portion 206 further includes a learning means 215 configured to store and learn a power consumption pattern of the power load 213 in a predetermined time period.
  • the control portion 206 further includes a power threshold setting means 210 , a time setting means 211 , and a frequency setting means 212 that are respectively configured to set, in the operation stop determination means 209 , a power threshold condition, a time condition, a frequency condition, etc, which are conditions that cause the fuel cell 202 to stop the power generation operation based on a signal output from the time period setting means 208 or the learning means 215 .
  • a plurality of power threshold conditions, time conditions, frequency conditions, etc are pre-stored in the power threshold setting means 210 , the time setting means 211 , and the frequency setting means 212 .
  • the power threshold setting means 210 According to the signal output from the time period setting means 208 or the learning means 215 , the power threshold setting means 210 , the time setting means 211 , and the frequency setting means 212 set, in the operation stop determination means 209 , an optimal power threshold condition, an optimal time condition, an optimal frequency condition, etc which are suitable for the current situation.
  • the control portion 206 is configured by a microcomputer, and the means 207 to 212 and 215 are implemented by software stored in memories of the microcomputer.
  • a condition setting means 220 includes the means 210 to 212 and 215 .
  • the power load 213 is connected to the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the power load 213 is configured to consume at least one of the power generated in the fuel cell system 200 or the commercial power 214 .
  • the power load 213 includes home electronic appliances.
  • the fuel gas generated in the fuel processor 201 and the oxidizing gas from the air blower 203 are supplied to the fuel cell 202 .
  • the fuel cell 202 carries out power generation using the fuel gas and the oxidizing gas to generate the DC power.
  • the DC power output from the fuel cell 202 is input to the inverter 204 .
  • the inverter 204 converts the DC power supplied from the fuel cell 202 into an AC power.
  • the AC power output from the inverter 204 is supplied to the power load 213 through the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the power supplied from the fuel cell system 200 is consumed. At this time, excess output power is stored in a storage battery or the like which is not specifically shown in FIG. 5 . If the output power of the fuel cell 202 is insufficient for the power consumption in the power load 213 , the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • the control portion 206 properly controls a power generation state of the fuel cell 202 .
  • FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an example of an operation pattern during a day of a fuel cell system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • an ordinate axis indicates a power axis and an abscissa axis indicates a time axis.
  • a curve 311 indicates a time lapse variation in the power consumed in the power load 213
  • a curve 312 indicates a time lapse variation in the output power of the fuel cell 202
  • a maximum output power W 1 c indicates a maximum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202
  • a minimum output power W 1 d indicates a minimum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell system 202 .
  • the power consumption in general home is typically less in a first time period 301 a from 0:00 at midnight to 6:00 in early morning.
  • a second time period 301 b from 6:00 in early morning to 12:00 at noon
  • the power load 213 is used much by household tasks or the like, and hence the power consumption increases.
  • a third time period 301 c from 12:00 at noon to 6:00 in evening
  • the number of power loads 213 in operation decreases, and hence the power consumption decreases.
  • a fourth time period 301 d from 6:00 in evening to 23:00 at midnight
  • the power consumption of the power load 213 deceases because, for example, users are sleeping.
  • the fuel cell 202 in the fuel cell system 200 of this embodiment outputs power as indicated by the curve 312 of FIG. 1 in response to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 during a day.
  • the load power detecting means 205 of the fuel cell system 200 detects that the power consumption of the power load 213 is above an operation start power threshold W 1 a which is a preset power threshold at which the fuel cell 202 starts power generation operation in the first time period 301 a
  • the power generation of the fuel cell 202 is started-up.
  • the fuel cell 202 starts to output the power as indicated by the curve 312 after an operation preparation time period Ts in which, for example, the fuel gas is generated in the fuel processor 201 .
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 1 c and the minimum output power W 1 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • an operation stop power threshold W 1 bd for a time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently, and an operation stop power threshold W 1 bn for a time period in which the power load 213 operates less frequently are pre-stored in the power threshold setting means 210 .
  • the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd is set lower than the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn when comparing these thresholds.
  • the time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently is a daytime period and the time period in which the power load 213 operates less frequently is a night period.
  • the time period setting means 208 is configured to determine that a current time is the daytime period when the current time is between 6:00 to 18:00 corresponding to the second to third time periods 301 b to 301 c , or to determine that a current time is the night period when the current time is between 18:00 to 6:00 corresponding to the first time period 301 a and the fourth to fifth time periods 301 d to 301 e . And, as shown in FIG.
  • the power threshold setting means 210 sets, in the operation stop determination means 209 , the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd when the time period setting means 208 determines that the current time is the daytime period, and the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn when the time period setting means 208 determines that the current time is the night period. In either case, the time setting means 211 sets the predetermined time period T 1 b in the operation stop determination means 209 . As described above, the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd is set lower than the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn when comparing these thresholds.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is configured not to frequently stop in the daytime period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently, by setting two different operation stop power thresholds.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped. In this case, the operation for generating the fuel gas in the fuel processor 201 is not stopped.
  • the fuel cell 202 continues to output the power at the minimum output power W 1 d .
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 1 c and the minimum output power W 1 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • the operation stop determination means 209 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 202 . Simultaneously, the operation of the fuel processor 201 is stopped. In this case, the commercial power 214 supplies the power to the power load 213 .
  • the output power of the fuel cell 202 is controlled according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 .
  • the power consumption of the power load 213 transitions from the large amount state in, for example, the second time period 301 b , to the small amount state in, for example, the third time period 301 c , and the power consumption of the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd or less does not continue for the predetermined time period T 1 b or more, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the operation stop power threshold W 1 b which is a condition for causing the fuel cell 202 to stop the power generation operation
  • the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd or the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn the power values of which are different as indicated by W 1 bd ⁇ W 1 bn , is set in the operation stop determination means 209 based on determination of the time period setting means 208 . For this reason, in the time period in which the power consumption of the power load 213 is less, for example, the third time period 301 c , unnecessary stop of the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is inhibited.
  • a user or operator, or administrator of the fuel cell system 200 may set the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd and the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn with an input means which is not specifically illustrated in FIG. 5 , or otherwise, the learning means 215 may store and learn the power consumption pattern of the power load 213 per week (or per month, or per season) to set these thresholds in the power threshold setting means 210 . In this case, for example, the learning means 215 selects the third time period 301 c and the fifth time period 301 e in which the power consumption of the power load 213 in FIG.
  • the time period setting means 208 determines whether the current time period is the daytime period or the night period.
  • the user or the operator or the administrator of the fuel cell system 200 may determine it and may set them with the input means which is not specifically illustrated in FIG. 5 .
  • daytime period and the night period are each 12 hours
  • the daytime period may be set to 12 hours or more, or otherwise the night period may be set to 12 hours or more.
  • the time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently may be the night period, and the time period in which the power load 213 operates less frequently may be the daytime period.
  • the power consumption of the power load 213 may vary regardless of the daytime period or the night period.
  • the learning means 215 recognizes the variation pattern of the power consumption of the power load 213 by its learning function, and selects the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd or the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn to be set in the operation stop determination means 209 based on this recognition. In such a configuration, in the time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently, unnecessary stop of the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is inhibited.
  • the operation stop power threshold is set based on the signal output from the time period setting means 208 or the learning means 215 , it may alternatively be set by the user (or operator, or administrator) of the fuel cell system 200 with the input means which is not specifically illustrated in FIG. 5 .
  • the operation stop power threshold W 1 bd and the operation stop power threshold W 1 bn are thresholds with respect to instantaneous power amounts, they may be thresholds with respect to an integrated power amount which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 in the predetermined time period T 1 b . In such a configuration, the same effects as that of this embodiment are obtained.
  • a second embodiment of the present invention illustrates that a frequency condition is added to the condition associated with the start-up or the stop of the fuel cell system, regarding the operation conditions of the fuel cell in the fuel cell system.
  • the fuel cell system of the second embodiment of the present invention is identical to that of the fuel cell system 200 of the first embodiment, it will not be further described.
  • an example of an operation pattern of the fuel cell system during a day of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the example of the operations pattern of the first embodiment, and therefore, difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described herein.
  • FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the example of the operation pattern of the fuel cell system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • an ordinate axis indicates a power axis and an abscissa axis indicates a time axis.
  • a curve 321 indicates a time lapse variation in the power consumption of the power load 213
  • a curve 322 indicates a time lapse variation in the output power of the fuel cell 202
  • a maximum output power W 2 c indicates a maximum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202
  • a minimum output power W 2 d indicates a minimum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202 .
  • the fuel cell 202 in the fuel cell system 200 of this embodiment outputs the power as indicated by the curve 322 of FIG. 2 in response to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is illustrated by the curve 321 of FIG. 2 .
  • the load power detecting means 205 of the fuel cell system 200 detects that the power consumption of the power load 213 exceeds, with a predetermined frequency F 2 a or more within a predetermined time period T 2 a , an operation start power threshold W 2 a which is a preset power threshold at which the fuel cell 202 starts power generation operation, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is started-up.
  • the reason why the frequency F 2 a is added as the start-up condition of the fuel cell 202 is that the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 reliably starts even when the power consumption of the power load 213 is below the operation start power threshold W 2 a instantaneously within the predetermined time period T 2 a.
  • the predetermined time period T 2 a is 1 hour
  • the power consumption value of the power load 213 is sampled by the load power detecting means 205 in a cycle of once per second
  • the predetermined frequency F 2 a is 80%.
  • the load power detecting means 205 samples the power consumption value of the power load 213 3600 times in total in the predetermined time period T 2 a .
  • the control portion 206 determines that the fuel cell 202 should start-up the power generation operation. Whether or not to start-up the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is sequentially determined in the operation of the control portion 206 of the fuel cell system 200 .
  • the control portion 206 includes a counting portion that counts the power consumption value of the power load 213 which exceeds the operation start power threshold W 2 a , an integrating portion that integrates the number of times the counting portions outputs a signal, a command portion that outputs a command associated with the start-up of the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 based on the signal output from the integrating portion, a start-up portion that starts-up the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 based on the signal output from the command portion, etc, although these are not shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the fuel cell 202 Upon start of the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 , the fuel cell 202 starts to output the power as indicated by the curve 322 after an elapse of the operation preparation time period Ts in which, for example, the fuel gas is generated in the fuel processor 201 .
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 2 c and the minimum output power W 2 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • an operation stop power threshold W 2 bd for a time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently, and an operation stop power threshold W 2 bn for a time period in which the power load 213 operates less frequently are pre-stored in the power threshold setting means 210 .
  • the relationship between the operation stop power threshold W 2 bd and the operation stop power threshold W 2 bn is identical to that of the first embodiment.
  • the predetermined time period T 2 b and the predetermined frequency F 2 b are pre-stored in the time setting means 211 and the frequency setting means 212 , respectively.
  • the power threshold setting means 210 sets the operation stop power threshold W 2 bd in the operation stop determination means 209
  • the power threshold setting means 210 sets the operation stop power threshold W 2 bn in the operation stop determination means 209 .
  • the time setting means 211 and the frequency setting means 212 set the predetermined time period T 2 b and the predetermined frequency F 2 b in the operation stop determination means 209 , respectively.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped. In this case, the operation for generating the fuel gas in the fuel processor 201 is not stopped.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped. In this case, the operation for generating the fuel gas in the fuel processor 201 is stopped.
  • the load power detecting means 205 detects that the power consumption instantaneously exceeds the operation stop power threshold W 2 bd , like a power consumption 321 f in the third time period 301 c , and it is below the operation stop power threshold W 2 bd 70% or more within the predetermined time period T 2 b (i.e., the frequency of the power consumption 321 f within the predetermined time period T 2 b is less than 30%), the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped. When the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped, the fuel cell 202 continues to output the power at the minimum output power W 2 d as indicated by the third time period 301 c of FIG. 2 .
  • the excess power generated by the fuel cell 202 continuing to output the power at the minimum output power W 2 d is stored in the storage battery or the like, as in the first embodiment.
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 2 c and the minimum output power W 2 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • the operation stop determination means 209 stops the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 . Simultaneously, the operation of the fuel processor 201 is stopped.
  • the load power detecting means 205 detects that the power consumption instantaneously exceeds the operation stop power threshold W 2 bn , like a power consumption 321 g in the fifth time period 301 e , and it is below the operation stop power threshold W 2 bn 70% or more within the predetermined time T 2 b (i.e., the frequency of the power consumption 321 g within the predetermined time T 2 b is less than 30%), the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the commercial power 214 supplies the power to the power load 213 .
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • this embodiment is identical to the first embodiment.
  • a third embodiment of the present invention illustrates that a time condition associated with a power generation operation of a fuel cell is varied according to a use status of a fuel cell system.
  • the fuel cell system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is identical in construction to the fuel cell system 200 described in the first embodiment, it will not be further described.
  • an operation pattern example during a day of the fuel cell system of the third embodiment is similar to the operation pattern example described in the first embodiment, difference between the first embodiment and the third embodiment will be described in detail.
  • FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing the operation pattern during a day of the fuel cell system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • an ordinate axis indicates a power axis and an abscissa axis indicates a time axis.
  • a curve 331 indicates a time lapse variation in the power consumption of the power load 213
  • a curve 332 indicates a time lapse variation in the output power of the fuel cell 202
  • a maximum output power W 3 c indicates a maximum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202
  • a minimum output power W 3 d indicates a minimum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202 .
  • the fuel cell 202 in the fuel cell system 200 of this embodiment outputs the power as indicated by the curve 332 of FIG. 3 in response to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is illustrated by the curve 331 of FIG. 3 .
  • the load power detecting means 205 of the fuel cell system 200 detects that the power consumption of the power load 213 exceeds, for a predetermined time period T 3 a or more in the first time period 301 a , an operation start power threshold W 3 a which is a preset power threshold at which the fuel cell 202 starts power generation operation, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is started-up.
  • the fuel cell 202 starts to output the power as indicated by the curve 332 after an elapse of the operation preparation time period Ts in which, for example, the fuel gas is generated in the fuel processor 201 .
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 3 c and the minimum output power W 3 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • operation stop power thresholds W 3 b which are equal are used as the operation stop power thresholds at which the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the operation stop power thresholds W 3 b are pre-set in the power threshold setting means 210 .
  • a predetermined time period T 3 bd in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently and a predetermined time period T 3 bn in which the power load 213 operates less frequently are set in the time setting means 211 .
  • the relationship between the predetermined time period T 3 bd and the predetermined time period T 3 bn is such that the predetermined time period T 3 bd is set longer than the predetermined time period T 3 bn.
  • the time setting means 211 sets the predetermined time period T 3 bd in the operation stop determination means 209
  • the time setting means 211 sets the predetermined time period T 3 bn in the operation stop determination means 209
  • the power threshold setting means 210 sets the operation stop power threshold W 3 b in the operation stop determination means 209 .
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 3 c and the minimum output power W 3 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • the operation stop determination means 209 stops the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 . Simultaneously, the operation of the fuel processor 201 is stopped. In this case, the commercial power 214 supplies the power to the power load 213 .
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the user (or operator, or administrator) of the fuel cell system 200 may set the predetermined time period T 3 bd and the predetermined time period T 3 bn , or otherwise, the learning means 215 may store and learn the power consumption pattern of the power load 213 per week (or per month, or per season) to set these time periods in the time setting means 211 in a manner described in the first embodiment.
  • the operation stop power threshold W 3 b is a threshold for an instantaneous power amount, it may alternatively be a threshold for an integrated power amount which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 in the predetermined time period T 3 bd or in the predetermine time period T 3 bn .
  • the third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment.
  • a fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrates that a frequency condition associated with a power generation operation of a fuel cell is varied according to a use status of e fuel cell system.
  • the fuel cell system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is identical in construction to the fuel cell system 200 described in the first embodiment, it will not be further described.
  • an operation pattern example during a day of the fuel cell system of the fourth embodiment is similar to the operation pattern example described in the first embodiment, difference between the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.
  • FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing the operation pattern during a day of the fuel cell system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • an ordinate axis indicates a power axis and an abscissa axis indicates a time axis.
  • a curve 341 indicates a time lapse variation in the power consumption of the power load 213
  • a curve 342 indicates a time lapse variation in the output power of the fuel cell 202
  • a maximum output power W 4 c indicates a maximum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202
  • a minimum output power W 4 d indicates a minimum value of the power that is capable of being output from the fuel cell 202 .
  • the fuel cell 202 in the fuel cell system 200 of this embodiment outputs the power as indicated by the curve 342 of FIG. 4 in response to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is illustrated in the curve 341 of FIG. 4 .
  • the load power detecting means 205 of the fuel cell system 200 detects that the power consumption of the power load 213 exceeds, with a predetermined frequency F 4 a or more within a predetermined time period T 4 a , an operation start power threshold W 4 a which is a preset power threshold at which the fuel cell 202 starts power generation operation, the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is started-up.
  • the fuel cell 202 Upon the start-up of the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 , the fuel cell 202 starts to output the power as indicated by the curve 342 after an elapse of the operation preparation time period Ts in which, for example, the fuel gas is generated in the fuel processor 201 .
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 4 c and the minimum output power W 4 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for deficiency.
  • operation stop power thresholds W 4 b which are equal are used as the operation stop power thresholds at which the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the operation stop power thresholds W 4 b are pre-stored in the power threshold setting means 210 .
  • a predetermined frequency F 4 bd for a time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively frequently and a predetermined frequency F 4 bn for a time period in which the power load 213 operates relatively less frequently are set in the frequency setting means 212 .
  • the relationship between the predetermined frequency F 4 bd and the predetermined frequency F 4 bn is such that the predetermined frequency F 4 bd is higher than the predetermined frequency F 4 bn .
  • the predetermined time period T 4 b is pre-stored in the time setting means 211 .
  • the frequency setting means 212 sets the predetermined frequency F 4 bd in the operation stop determination means 209
  • the frequency setting means 212 sets the predetermined frequency F 4 bn in the operation stop determination means 209
  • the power threshold setting means 210 and the time setting means 211 set the operation stop power threshold W 4 b and the predetermined time period T 4 b in the operation stop determination means 209 , respectively.
  • the load power detecting means 205 detects that the power consumption instantaneously exceeds the operation stop power threshold W 4 b , like a power consumption 341 f in the third time period 301 c , and it is below the operation stop power threshold W 4 b 98% or more within the predetermined time T 4 b (i.e., the frequency of the power consumption 341 f within the predetermined time T 4 b is less than 2%), the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped. When the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped, the fuel cell 202 continues to output the power at the minimum output power W 4 d as indicated by the third time period 301 c of FIG. 4 .
  • the excess power generated by the fuel cell 202 continuing to output the power at the minimum output power W 4 d is stored in the storage battery or the like, as in the first embodiment.
  • the power amount changing means 207 controls the output power of the fuel cell 202 between the maximum output power W 4 c and the minimum output power W 4 d according to the variation in the power consumption of the power load 213 which is detected by the load power detecting means 205 .
  • the commercial power 214 makes up for the deficiency.
  • the operation stop determination means 209 stops the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 . Simultaneously, the operation of the fuel processor 201 is stopped.
  • the load power detecting means 205 detects that the power consumption instantaneously exceeds the operation stop power threshold W 4 b , like a power consumption 341 g in the fifth time period 301 e , and it is below the operation stop power threshold W 4 b 70% or more within the predetermined time period T 4 b (i.e., the frequency of the power consumption 341 g within the predetermined time period T 4 b is less than 30%), the power generation operation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the commercial power 214 supplies the power to the power load 213 .
  • the power consumption of the power load 213 transitions from the large amount state in, for example, the second time period 301 b , to the small amount state in, for example, the third time period 301 c , and the power consumption of the operation stop power threshold W 4 b or less does not occur with the predetermined frequency F 4 bd or more within the predetermined time period T 4 b , the power generation of the fuel cell 202 is not stopped.
  • the power consumption of the power load 213 transitions from the large amount state in, for example, the fourth time period 301 d , to the small amount state in, for example, the fifth time period 301 e , and the power consumption of the operation stop power threshold W 4 b or less occurs with the predetermined frequency F 4 bn or more within the predetermined time period T 4 b , the power generation of the fuel cell 202 is stopped.
  • the user (or operator, or administrator) of the fuel cell system 200 may set the predetermined frequency F 4 bd and the predetermined frequency F 4 bn , or otherwise, the learning means 215 may store and learn the power consumption pattern of the power load 213 per week (or per month, or in every season) to set these frequencies in the frequency setting means 212 .
  • the fourth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment.
  • the power generation operation of the fuel cell is stopped based on the power consumption of the power load which is detected by the load power detecting means.
  • it is determined whether or not the power generation operation of the fuel cell is stopped, according to the use status of the fuel cell system, by separately changing the power threshold condition, the time condition, and the frequency condition.
  • it may be determined whether or not the power generation operation of the fuel cell is stopped according to the use status of the fuel cell, by changing two or more of the power threshold condition, the time condition, and the frequency condition together, unnecessary operation stop decreases, and thereby wasteful energy consumption associated with start-up of the fuel cell decreases, enabling desired power generation operation to continue.
  • control portion included in the fuel cell system of the present invention is not intended to be limited to a configuration including an operation unit such as a CPU, but may be a configuration including a firmware, OS, and its peripheral device. Furthermore, the configuration of the present invention may be implement by software or hardware.
  • the fuel cell system has been described as an example of the power generation system.
  • the present invention is applicable to any other power generation systems other than the fuel cell system, such as an engine power generation system, and the similar effects are obtained as in the embodiments of the present invention.
  • a power generation system and an operation method thereof of the present invention are useful as a power generation system with high energy utilization efficiency, which is capable of inhibiting unnecessary stop of power generation operation by changing the condition for determining whether or not to stop the power generation operation according to, for example, activity cycles of users and of thereby decreasing wasteful energy consumption, and an operation method thereof.

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US20090076661A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-03-19 Ken Pearson Apparatus, system, and method to manage the generation and use of hybrid electric power
US8364287B2 (en) * 2007-07-25 2013-01-29 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method to manage the generation and use of hybrid electric power

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EP1667261A4 (fr) 2009-05-27
JP4358825B2 (ja) 2009-11-04
JPWO2005011033A1 (ja) 2006-09-14
US20060188764A1 (en) 2006-08-24
EP1667261A1 (fr) 2006-06-07
WO2005011033A1 (fr) 2005-02-03
CN1826704A (zh) 2006-08-30

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